5 ways to boost your confidence before big meetings

‘I am so nervous!’ is a phrase everyone has uttered – or, at least, thought – before an important meeting. It’s completely normal. But being nervous shouldn’t render you unable to impress. Whether you’re going in for an interview, meeting a new client for coffee or pitching to your dream partner, you’ll want to impress, so follow these tips on how to redirect all that nervous energy and boost your confidence so that you crush it.

Know Your Stuff

Practice Makes Perfect

Dress (Comfortably) for Success

Stay Hydrated

Listen to a Power Playlist

Being nervous is all state of mind, one needs to figure it out and come up with solution and a fresh attitude and just rock the meetings.

1. Know Your Stuff

Though it may seem obvious, feeling completely prepared for a meeting is a sure-fire way to feel confident. Whether this requires extensive research on the topic and/or the people you’re meeting, days of planning, the creation of a visual component or the printing of collateral (perhaps all of the above?), if you prepare well in advance, you’ll feel ready to go on meeting day.

2. Practice Makes Perfect

Very few of us are natural public speakers, so practising what you plan to say is paramount to success. If you’re giving a presentation or leading a meeting for the first time, write out a script and rehearse (yes, out loud!) in the mirror; if you’re going for an interview, think of solid examples you can use when a potential employer asks for illustrative anecdotes and brush up on how to ace challenging questions. Better yet, set up a mock interview with a friend or family member in order to get a true sense of how the conversation may flow.

3. Dress (Comfortably) for Success

Though you may love those skinny-fit trousers or that brand-new pair of heels, wearing clothing that’s comfortable might be a better option. If you’re feeling self-conscious or constantly fidgeting with your attire it signals to the people around you that you’re nervous. To ensure that you project nothing but calm confidence, go with a trusted outfit that you know looks impressive so that you can focus on your topic, not your appearance.

4. Stay Hydrated

Drinking more water is never a bad thing (your skin and metabolism will thank you), and many scientific studies show that having a glass of H2O with a slice of lemon before a meeting will keep you from experiencing the dreaded dry mouth and will freshen your breath.

5. Listen to a Power Playlist

Believe it or not, listening to music that you absolutely love and that makes you feel energised while en route to your meeting will put you at ease, relieve stress and anxiety, and have you feeling ready to own the room that you’re in. So choose some of your favourites, press play and rock out.